Application Development Apprentice at Microsoft

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

9/10

Application Development Management (ADM)

The daily tasks of an ADM would be to go out and see customers, create applications and code related to what it is the customer is having problems with, then reviewing this with statistics and logging the amount of hours spent with a customer. This is only a small portion of what goes on in the role.

Internally, we work on projects that require business knowledge and technical skill, we work closely with engineers and Technical Account Managers to achieve the questions and cases with the customer.

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

10/10

Since starting the apprenticeship here at Microsoft, I have learnt so much, from learning programming languages, to gaining the opportunities of a lifetime that will impact my future. The Qualifications I now have due to training are in C#, SQL, HTML and CSS, before starting the apprenticeship I knew little to nothing of these programming languages. With thanks to my fantastic team for all of the support they have given me along the way and the advice they have given towards projects and shadowing opportunities I can say my time here has been the best months of my life.

Before starting here, I only knew of HTML and very little CSS, with the people I have met along the way and the challenges I have faced I can confidently understand these languages and the technical advice that others will give to me.

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

10/10

Everyone is super friendly, and happy to help with any problems you might have. (as long as they know about it and aren't busy!) And the fact every piece of help is only one coffee, tea, hot chocolate or haribo away! The culture is laid back, easy going but also hard working and flexible.

I love my role, with a team that is very supportive, to enjoying programming side projects during work hours. I couldn't have asked for anything better. Definitely achieved my dream job and workplace here.

4. How valued do you feel by Microsoft?

10/10

I feel very valued by Microsoft as the apprenticeship programme is effective, rather than being treated just as an apprentice, you are treated as an equal employee and are included in almost everything as a part of your team. Any piece of work you do is acknowledged by others and with others being so friendly, you feel at home most of the time despite the working environment.

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

10/10

My program is greatly organised and very well structured. There are always things to learn no matter what as so much is changing as time moves on. We regularly meet with our assessor once a month to check up on how things are going and will give us feedback on tasks he sets us. Starting straight from induction, it was quite the planned out week full of excitement through to now, where I have finished training with support all along the way from my manager and my assessor.

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

9/10

My training provider visits once a month and gives us any help or guidance with anything we might be stuck with or confused about. As far as training is concerned I went out to Maidenhead and then London to learn my programming languages. The accessibility at this point of the support we were given based on what we were learning made a huge difference to how we learnt, using the knowledge we already had. I am given proper feedback from my work I hand in too.

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

10/10

In Microsoft there are so many people that can help with progression in my job role. You find yourself working with some of most genuine, smartest and talented people just by looking to the side of you at your desk. People that create apps for mobile and that are willing to give you the advice to do the same. My manager supports me with challenges that will improve my skills alongside HR giving advice about my training provider. If there is ever any problem with anything at all, we can let them or my manager know and it will be sorted.

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

10/10

My salary suits my living conditions and makes me feel motivated to work harder. It gives me no financial worries and is great for my costs.

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

10/10

It is encouraged that you do volunteer work as a part of your role, with schools and with helping the environment around you. These are great opportunities but so are the ones that they give you such as leaving events, or celebrations on something special. I have been able to go and attend many different company events, each have been quite the experience and were amazing!

9a. Would you recommend Microsoft to a friend? *

Yes

9b. Why? *

It is one of the best experiences that you could ever be a part of. You would not get the same anywhere else, from everyone being so friendly and the respect you are given alongside the responsibilities that you get, really do make this place a dream company. You get to see Microsoft and its culture in person, where everything is modern and each day feels like a dream world you are walking into. I couldn't suggest any better place to work and I hardly feel out of place here. Every minute spent here is a new experience every single day.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Microsoft? *

Show your passion, ambition and excitement to what you are doing, Microsoft like to see people who are passionate about technology and their products. Enthusiasm is key and applying here be an experience you do not want to miss and you most definitely will not regret it!